D'Jais
Encyclopedia
D'Jais Bar & Grill is a popular dance club and restaurant in Belmar, New Jersey
. It has been called a landmark, "infamous", and one of the most famous bars along the Jersey Shore
.
, who also took part in softball games and picnics host ed by the establishment, as well as singer and guitarist Bobby Bandiera
. During that era, it was considered "the most celebrated of the bars across from the boardwalk", and was popularized for offering five six-ounce pilsner glasses of beer for a dollar. Local bands also played at the venue during the 70s, including Holme, whose members included Bobby Bandiera
, Frank Sementa, and Kip Conner. It was purchased by Sementa & Conner in 1979.
In 1984, Monmouth County officials adopted a uniform 2 AM closing time to discourage patrons from driving to other towns to find bars open later; however in 1986, D'Jais began closing at 12 AM. Around 1990, Sementa added the restaurant to the site. In 2005, a study was conducted at the request of neighboring residents by the ABC
board to analyze the bars operations and occupancy levels. The residents believed patrons of D'Jais had violated Quality of Life conditions. Residents were cited as spotting multiple fights, as well as other disruptive behavior.
and Brian Lynch
. Locally, it has been called the most popular bar in town, and a local hot spot.
contest at the 18th Avenue beach. This contest typically attracts over 350 entries and about 10,000 participants each year.
D'Jais also participates in other local and regional charity events.
Belmar, New Jersey
Belmar is a borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 5,794. The Borough of Belmar is governed under the Faulkner Act system of municipal government....
. It has been called a landmark, "infamous", and one of the most famous bars along the Jersey Shore
Jersey Shore
The Jersey Shore is a term used to refer to both the Atlantic coast of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the adjacent resort and residential communities. . The New Jersey State Department of Tourism considers the Shore Region, Greater Atlantic City, and the Southern Shore to be distinct, each having...
.
Location and Name
D'Jais Bar & Grill is located at 1801-1805 Ocean Avenue, a street which runs north and south along the Belmar coastline. It is on on the west side of the street, and the front entrance faces the beach and boardwalk. According to Frank Sementa, who has been the owner since 1979, the name "D'Jais" comes from the childhood nickname of the first owner of the club Dominick Joseph Desalvo's, who was called "DJ".History
D'Jais was established in 1959. Locally, it has been called the most popular bar in town, and was busy from the start. D'Jais is still a popular spot. and has been called a "Jersey shore institution for young people". During the 1970s, D'Jais was also regular spot for Bruce SpringsteenBruce Springsteen
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
, who also took part in softball games and picnics host ed by the establishment, as well as singer and guitarist Bobby Bandiera
Bobby Bandiera
Bobby Bandiera is an American rock guitarist and singer known in the Jersey Shore sound world.- Biography :Bandiera was originally in a band called Holme from Orange, New Jersey...
. During that era, it was considered "the most celebrated of the bars across from the boardwalk", and was popularized for offering five six-ounce pilsner glasses of beer for a dollar. Local bands also played at the venue during the 70s, including Holme, whose members included Bobby Bandiera
Bobby Bandiera
Bobby Bandiera is an American rock guitarist and singer known in the Jersey Shore sound world.- Biography :Bandiera was originally in a band called Holme from Orange, New Jersey...
, Frank Sementa, and Kip Conner. It was purchased by Sementa & Conner in 1979.
In 1984, Monmouth County officials adopted a uniform 2 AM closing time to discourage patrons from driving to other towns to find bars open later; however in 1986, D'Jais began closing at 12 AM. Around 1990, Sementa added the restaurant to the site. In 2005, a study was conducted at the request of neighboring residents by the ABC
Alcoholic beverage control state
Alcoholic beverage control states, generally called control states, are those in the United States that have state monopoly over the wholesaling and/or retailing of some or all categories of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and distilled spirits....
board to analyze the bars operations and occupancy levels. The residents believed patrons of D'Jais had violated Quality of Life conditions. Residents were cited as spotting multiple fights, as well as other disruptive behavior.
Restaurant and dance club
The appearance of D'Jais has changed since the 1970s. The outdoor portion of the restaurant is covered by rooftop, and provides patrons with oceanview seating. The interior features four full-sized bars, as well as one that sits upon the outside deck. During the summer, most nights D'Jais features a DJ and dance music. There are frequently theme nights and contests. On Monday nights in the summer, Holme, a New Jersey band whose popularity dates back to the 1970s, entertains the crowd.Notoriety
D'Jais is considered a landmark dance club and restaurant, and has been called many things, including "infamous" and "guido-central". D'Jais was named the best overall party spot and ranked 4th out of 100 in the 100 Best Bars at the Shore by Fun New Jersey. The club has attracted sports celebrities such as Kim ClijstersKim Clijsters
Kim Antonie Lode Clijsters is a Belgian professional tennis player. As of 7 November 2011, Clijsters is ranked No. 13 in singles. Clijsters is a former World No. 1 in both singles and doubles....
and Brian Lynch
Brian Lynch (basketball)
Brian Robert Lynch is a retired American professional basketball player. Lynch was born in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, lived in Belmar, New Jersey and went to high school at Christian Brothers Academy. He played college basketball at Villanova University. After graduating from Villanova in 2000,...
. Locally, it has been called the most popular bar in town, and a local hot spot.
New Jersey Sand Castle Contest
D'Jais is the lead sponsor of the annual New Jersey Sand CastleSand art and play
Sand art is the practice of modelling sand into an artistic form, such as a sand brushing, sand sculpture, sandpainting, or sand bottles...
contest at the 18th Avenue beach. This contest typically attracts over 350 entries and about 10,000 participants each year.
D'Jais also participates in other local and regional charity events.